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FACT SHEETS>PEST MANAGEMENT> DIAGNOSTIC TEST KITS Diagnostic Test Kits On-site test kits have come a long way. Test kits are easy to use and are available for several diseases (viruses, fungi and bacteria) important to floriculture crops. Growers should consider stocking up on a few test kits for the spring growing season. Test kits will confirm your disease diagnosis, allow you to detect diseases early, provide you the option to treat only when necessary and use the proper management that fits the disease. As a result you will maintain good crop quality. Easy to use ImmunoStrips (dip-stick tests) are available from AgDia to detect viruses such as Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV), Calibrachoa Mottle Virus (CbMV), Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), and Cucumber Mosaic Virus CMV) to name a few. There is also a combination kit for INSV and TSWV. Immunostrips are also available for several important bacterial pathogens such as Xanthomonas campestris pv . pelargonii, Ralstonia solanacearum and Clavibacter michaganensis subsp. michiganensis . AgriChek kits (using a modified syringe tip) are available from Hydros Inc. to detect fungi Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora (pathogens that cause root rot), bacteria Xanthomonas campestris pv . pelargonii (Xcp) (Bacterial Wilt) and Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV). Alert kits from Neogen Corp. are available for Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia. How the Test Kits Work Each company has kits that are used a little differently, however the same principal applies. Tests are based on antibodies that are designed to recognize specific antigen (ie. INSV). Any antigen present in the plant sample is extracted by grinding and then mixing with the extraction solution. The extracted antigen is then allowed to react with antibodies that capture specific antigens (when present). Taking Samples for Testing Early detection and success using test kits are only as accurate as the sample taken. For example, if a plant has symptoms of INSV, a quick test will confirm your suspicions. Collect a sample from the part of the plant showing symptoms, including green or chlorotic tissues adjacent to the necrotic area. Even, when plants are systemically infected, INSV does not spread evenly throughout the plant, so careful selection of tissues is crucial to the success of the test. Companies That Manufacture Test Kits There are currently three companies that manufacture test kits available for on-site testing. Not every company carries kits for all diseases. Note: Kits need to be refrigerated and expiration dates observed. ImmunoStrips from AgDia Inc 30380 County Rd. 6 Elkhart, Indiana 46514 1-800-622-4342, http://www.agdia.com Agro Check kits from Hydros Inc. 230 Jones Road, Falmouth , MA 02540 Phone: 508 540 2229, http://www.hydros.cc/ . Alert Kits from Neogen Company 620 Lesher Place Lansing, MI 48912 Phone: 800/234-5333 (USA/Canada) See the fact sheet "Western Flower Thrips and Tospovirus" . Thanks to Dr. Rob Wick, Dept. Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences for reviewing this article.
Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) on Garden Impatiens * * * Tina M. Smith 12/06 Updated by M. Bess Dicklow, Plant Diagnostic Lab, University of Massachusetts |
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